Chapel to meet needs of growing Catholic community

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have constructed the St. Joseph Catholic Chapel in Imaweje, a rural community in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The new chapel will provide the growing Catholic community with a permanent and safe place for worship, faith education, and other pastoral activities.

Imaweje is a small community where most people rely on subsistence farming for their livelihoods. Limited resources prevent many youth from attending school. The community also lacks basic services. Imaweje is home to both Muslims and Catholics, who live together peacefully.

Construction of the chapel’s main structure has been completed, along with roofing and internal and external plastering and rendering. Security doors and aluminum and glass windows have been installed. Electrical conduit piping and plumbing pipework have also been installed in preparation for electrical fittings, lighting, and sanitary facilities.

Once completed, the chapel will provide a permanent location for Catholic Mass and other liturgical celebrations. It will also offer space for catechesis and faith education. The chapel is expected to support sacramental preparation and youth ministry as the Catholic community continues to grow. The chapel will also provide pastoral support for youth and Catholic students living in the area, including students attending Tai Solarin University of Education.

Before construction began, people worshipped in a building with a leaking roof that left them exposed to rain and harsh weather conditions. Bunmi Adeleke, a parishioner of St. Joseph Parish in Imaweje, said people had long hoped for a more suitable place to worship.

Adeleke explained, “When Fr. Peache told us about the new construction, we were all filled with excitement. We shared the good news with our friends and fellow villagers because it meant so much to us as a Catholic family in Imaweje.”

Adeleke added, “Through this chapel project, we now look forward to worshipping in a safe, comfortable, and respectful environment, free from leaking roofs and the challenges of an unsuitable place of worship.”

About 64% of households in Nigeria consider themselves to be poor while 32% of households say their economic situation had worsened over a period of one year, according to UNICEF. Poverty still remains one of the most critical challenges facing the country and population growth rates have meant a steady increase in the number of people living in conditions of poverty.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Nigeria

UNICEF – Nigeria